900 N. Clarkson St. | Fremont, NE 68025 800-642-8382 | alumni@midlandu.edu
SENIOR LEADERSHIP TEAM
DR. ALY WILLIAMS
President
LORI ETHIER '07, MBA '17 Vice President for Enrollment & Marketing
JOE HARNISCH '01 Chief Financial Officer
LAURA JENSEN Vice President for Institutional Advancement
DR. JAMIE SIMPSON Chief Academic Officer
COURTNEY THOMSEN Athletics Director MAGAZINE CONTRIBUTORS
ERIC TAYLOR '92
Editor
KIM TAYLOR '94
Designer
BRENT WASENIUS '86
Writer
Special thanks to the Clay County News for Russ Ninemire photos.
BOARD Of DIRECTORS
AMBER BARTON '02 Senior Vice President Commercial Lending, Pinnacle Bank
STEVE FEYE ' 76 Retired Partner, Deloitte LLP
BRET GRIESS Executive Partner, Siris Capital Group
REV. PEGGY HALL Retired Vice President of Mission and Spiritual Care, Immanuel Communities
BRETT RICHMOND
Executive Vice President, Methodist Hospital and Methodist Women’s Hospital
MARY SHANNON President & CEO, Kansas Big Brothers Big Sisters
MARK SHEPARD K-12 Advisor, BVH Architecture
TONY URBAN ' 92 Principal, Tax Services, RSM
TOM WALKER '81 President, Health Care Information Systems
DR. ALY WILLIAMS President, Midland University
LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT
Dear Midland University Alumni and
Friends,
Welcome to the 2025 edition of the Midland University magazine. This publication is a wonderful way to keep you, our valued alumni and friends, updated on the latest happenings on our campus, and to highlight the achievements of our remarkable students and alumni.
I am honored to serve as the 17th President of Midland University. My tenure began on April 10, 2025, and I enjoyed being on campus for the culmination of the academic year. The end-of-year activities, including concerts, student presentations, performances, and commencement, were a wonderful introduction to the vibrant life of Midland, and it was truly special to celebrate the accomplishments of our amazing students.
Since beginning my Presidency, the most common question I receive is, "Why did you choose Midland?" My answer is twofold. With over 25 years experience in higher education, I am passionate about helping students discover their vocation and assisting them in finding a path to achieve their goals. This passion greatly aligns with the university’s mission, the desire to inspire students to learn and lead in the world with purpose. My second reason for choosing Midland is, quite simply, the people. Throughout the search process the Midland faculty, staff, students, and board members that I interacted with were thoughtful, displayed a love for Midland, and expressed a desire to see Midland thrive. I knew these were people with whom I would love to work. Now, in my early days as President, I’m thrilled to say, the other faculty, staff, students and alumni I have met display this same passion for Midland. It’s really unmatched and I am incredibly excited to have joined this amazing family.
It has been a busy and successful year at Midland. Our athletic teams have achieved great success, including national championships in dance and powerlifting, and we have seen our students excel on the stage as well. Students from all majors and all levels completed amazing projects as a part of their Academic Core Experience (ACE), which is designed to develop skills, create experiences, and prepare students to set their course for success. We have built new partnerships and seen significant growth in the Teacher Career Ladder and developed the Three to Teach program within our professional studies and online programs. There are also important capital improvements scheduled, including a new turf and resurfacing of the track at Heedum Field. As you can see, there is much to be excited about!
I hope you enjoy this issue of the magazine, which showcases the many achievements and stories that make Midland University such a special place. I am incredibly excited about Midland's future, and I look forward to working with all of you to continue to advance our desire to be relentlessly relevant.
CAMPUS ACTIVITIES: Track & Field, Cross Country, Kappa Phi (President), Global Warriors, Psi Chi Honor Society
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO ATTEND MIDLAND?
I wanted to run track and join a small campus community in which I would feel at home right away. I valued the small class sizes and the passion all the professors demonstrated.
HOW HAS MIDLAND CHANGED YOU? Midland has changed me in every aspect of my life. It has provided me with multiple leadership opportunities, taught me to be a critical thinker and ask questions, as well as allowed me to perform research and explore multiple academic fields.
WHAT MEMORIES OF MIDLAND WILL YOU CARRY WITH YOU?
I will forever remember the feeling of a welcoming campus community that looks out for each other and feels like a big family. Especially the great international community we have on campus and all the lifelong friendships I have made through my sport and campus involvement.
WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS AFTER GRADUATION?
I am planning on going back home to Germany for a year and exploring some possible opportunities that my major combination has to offer. I would love to do an internship in performance management or behavioral economics. In addition to that, I am also planning on backpacking through Asia or South America to explore some different cultures.
CLASS OF
2025
Law enforcement calling has been a rewarding experience for Brie Frank '14
Brie Frank’s, '14, decision to forego a possible career in veterinary sciences proved to be beneficial for the field of law enforcement.
Frank, a Fremont native, joined the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) in November of 2014. She was promoted to her current role of Sergeant in January 2022.
She helps oversee the daily operations and supervises a team of deputies in maintaining public safety in the county. While the 2010 graduate of Fremont High School (FHS) has found her niche in law enforcement, that wasn’t the career path she thought she would pursue growing up in the city.
“Initially I wanted to be a veterinarian because I love animals,” she said. “But then I learned that not everyone’s dogs are nice. My dogs are nice, but that isn’t the case with everyone.”
Frank soon became interested in another career.
“I went away from the veterinarian side and I got interested in law enforcement,” she said. “I did the junior law cadet camp through the Nebraska State Patrol in high school and loved it. It was like I was hooked.”
While in high school, Frank learned a little bit about DCSO through the school-to-career program. At Midland, she spent a semester internship with Jim Butts, who was the school resource officer at FHS.
“I was lucky to see a different side of policing,” she said. “It was great to see the relationships you can build with kids on a positive note, instead of a negative.”
When looking for a college/university to attend as a senior at FHS, Midland seemed like the logical choice. Brie’s father, Tom, worked for nearly 30 years with the Midland maintenance department.
Frank attended Midland her freshman year, but then had the desire to experience something different.
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
“I grew up in Fremont and felt like I needed to spread my wings,” she said.
Frank transferred to Friends University in Wichita, Kansas, for her sophomore year.
“It was great. It was basically like Midland, but in Wichita,” she said. “It was a small, private school, but at the end of that school year, I was ready to go back home to Midland. It was the best decision that I ever made.
“You sometimes think that you want to get out of your hometown, but the thing I learned from that year (at Friends) is that Fremont and Midland is where I belong. It made me appreciate it more.”
While at Midland, Frank said she was fortunate to learn from respected professors, including Dr. Henry Krusiewicz and Dr. Megan Nielsen.
Krusiewicz, Professor of English, was empathetic about all of his students, the sergeant said.
“I was more into sociology and human performance instead of English, but he was awesome,” she said. “I remember one day I was really tired and he asked me what was wrong and that I didn’t seem like myself. I just think he really cared about all of his students when you walked through the (classroom) door.”
Frank majored in sociology and criminal justice. Nielsen, now Dean for the Luther College of Arts & Sciences, was one of her instructors.
“She was an amazing mentor to assist you with the growing pains of college,” Frank said. “She took me under her wing and for my senior year, I worked for her as a teacher’s assistant.”
Nielsen provided Frank with life lessons that she uses at the DCSO today.
“She taught me to be a critical thinker and to really think outside the box,” she said. “I think it was great and really propelled me in my career.”
That career has included several honors, including Law Enforcement Officer of the Year from the Veterans of Foreign Wars in 2024. She was nominated by the late Jerry Halladay and the late Cheryl Feala of North Bend for the award.
Former Dodge County Sheriff Steve Hespen also presented Frank with the Exceptional Promotion of Public Service Award for her work as a public information
officer. She has also been recognized for her work by Mothers Against Drunk Driving.
“It's awesome to see the recognition of working hard at taking drunk drivers off the road,” Frank said. “They also commented on my reports being thorough and accurate in taking those motorists off the road so they don’t harm others.”
Frank has also been a guiding force for DSCO’s “Stuff the Cruiser” which started in 2016. It helps provide toys for families in need during Christmas.
As she continues with her career in law enforcement, Frank is proud to call Midland her alma mater.
“I definitely feel as though Midland set me up for success in my career,” she said. “It was a good fit for me.”
Pinky Swear Pack looking to bring positive outlook to difficult situations
There are many dark and difficult days for patients and their families who face the challenges of childhood cancer.
The Pinky Swear Pack Program at Midland University is working to do its part to make those days a little bit brighter.
Pinky Swear Pack Program features students who work to raise awareness and support children, and their families, who are fighting cancer. The program is part of the Pinky Swear Foundation, which is a nationwide organization featured on college campuses and high schools.
The foundation dates back to 2003, thanks to the dying wishes of a 9-year-old boy. In his final months, Mitch made sure other kids in the hospital would be able to enjoy Christmas. Before his passing, he made a pinky promise to his dad to support children and families affected by childhood cancer. Over the past two decades, the foundation has carried on that promise by supporting children with cancer and their families with housing, food, and transportation costs.
Sadee Ullman, a senior Secondary Education major from Wymore, Nebraska, has served as president of the organization for the past two years. For someone who
wanted to find a way to get involved and help others, the Pinky Swear Pack provided the perfect opportunity.
“I was very involved in high school,” Ullman said. “I’m not always the most social person, so when I got to Midland, it was hard for me to find ways to be involved. My roommate, who has become my best friend, was involved in Pinky Swear and that got me interested. I love being able to help others and it is such a great organization.”
In their efforts to raise awareness for childhood cancer, one of the group’s biggest goals is to provide items that can uplift a child’s spirits, namely through teddy bears. Their biggest event each year is the Teddy Bear Toss at Midland University hockey games.
“We encourage everyone to bring a new teddy bear to the game and after the first Midland goal is scored, all the bears are tossed onto the ice,” Ullman said. “After they are all gathered up, we deliver them to Children’s Nebraska, as well as the Ronald McDonald House. They don’t all go to children with cancer, but they go to any child who needs their day brightened. Both organizations are very appreciative and have been great to work with.”
Pinky Swear Pack also hosts a handful of other events throughout the school year, using them as fundraisers to help support monetary needs of the organization.
One of their bigger projects is making blankets that are then donated to local hospitals.
“ ” It’s a great way to be part of something. We enjoy making people happy and being part of the community.
- SADEE ULLMAN '26
The group meets twice a month, but Ullman said they are very flexible when it comes to working around schedules. “We know students are busy, and one of things that is great about our club is its flexibility,” she said. “We’re a smaller group right now, but we’re working to build those numbers back up.”
Ullman encourages others who want to get involved, and help make a difference in the life of a child, to consider joining the Pinky Swear Pack.
“These kids are supported by this organization across the country,” she said. “The best thing we can do is try to have some positivity for them. I love working with our local hospitals and they are very understanding and cooperative.
“It’s a great way to be part of something. We enjoy making people happy and being part of the community.”
To learn more about the Pinky Swear Pack Program, visit their Instagram page at @pspack_midlandu.
From Midland to Saudi Arabia: Branden Mills '21 Charts a Global Journey
Branden Mills’s, '21, professional journey with Gallup in Saudi Arabia began in Delaware and included a four-year stop at Midland University.
Branden Mills grew up in Delaware before moving his senior year of high school with his family to Omaha. The graduate of Millard South High School said the move was difficult, but proved to be beneficial.
“There are times when I look back and go, ‘Wow, I just got up and left in the middle of my senior year and graduated from a random high school,’” he said. “However, it was one of the best decisions that I’ve ever made in my life; it helped me become the person I am today and form the connections I have. Nebraska is a great place and has great people.”
Mills competed in track for the Patriots and that played a factor when he was looking for a school to continue his education.
“Midland caught my eye because not only did it have the track program I was looking for, but I was able to see the strong connection I would be able to have with my professors,” he said. “Sometimes at really large universities, you often become a number, and I didn’t feel that when I was able to do my tour at Midland.”
Like many during that first year of college, Mills experienced homesickness and missed his friends in Delaware.
“Moving to the Midwest was definitely a big culture shock, especially coming from the East Coast which is very diverse,” he said. “Moreover, after my freshman year, it really made me feel somewhat out of place, and I thought I should leave after that.”
Mills decided to stay through at least his sophomore year. After that he would decide if he should stay in Nebraska or choose a school on the East Coast.
“I gave it another year and as I got involved with more communities, gained new friends and started to become more mature, I came to realize that even though being here was a culture shock … I was able to create a community that I consider family and that makes me feel at home,” he said.
Mills, who earned degrees in sociology and psychology, noted he had several mentors during his time at MU, including Dr. Lawrence Chatters, who was the Vice President for Student Affairs and Chief Diversity Officer.
“He helped me become a leader,” he said. “He showed me how to inspire others and create impact.”
Mills credits Midland track coach Daniel Gerber with helping him with consistency and maturity. He is also grateful for the tutelage from Dr. Megan Nielsen, who currently serves as the Dean for the Luther College of Arts & Sciences.
“She helped me understand the real world and what society is truly like,” he said. “She was someone who guided me to what is needed and not to be complacent.”
Mills definitely took on a leadership role in college. He was instrumental in creating the Black Student Union (BSU) organization.
“As I got involved with more communities, gained new friends and started to become more mature, I came to realize that even though being here was a culture shock … I was able to create a community that I consider family and that maDE me feel at home.”
- BRANDEN MILLS '21
“That was very important,” he said. “Representation means a lot, and for many people having a place where they feel safe to talk about certain problems/issues helps eliminate the idea of culture shock and feeling out of place.”
The formation of BSU allowed students to make a positive impact in the community. They organized two peaceful protests following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. The students joined hundreds of Fremonters to push for solutions to inequality and police brutality.
GOLD (Graduates of the Last Decade) Club aims to engage young Midland alumni through various networking events both on and off campus, as well as build a culture of philanthropy among alumni through giving of time, talent, and treasures to support Midland students.
Your gift, your choice! Young alumni can make a gift to any area of the university and be recognized in multiple giving societies, including GOLD Club.
Grow your network and give back all at the same time!
Mills has been working for Gallup since he graduated from MU. He tells how he got connected with the company.
“Connie Kreikemeier (the Executive Director of the Career Studio until she retired in 2022) informed me they were looking for a Learning and Development Associate. She thought I would be a great fit,” he said. “From there, the rest is history. I continued to progress and grow in my role until I was prompted with the opportunity to go to Saudi Arabia and work as a consultant for a client of ours.”
In that role, Mills was tasked with being an employee experience expert. Things progressed to where he asked to become a full-time consultant in the region.
“Now I manage over 10 clients, with contracts valued at over a million dollars, and help make changes to their organizations by enhancing their human capital,” he said.
Mills said he has various professional ambitions.
“My goals are to make a difference in life, and being a workplace advisory consultant is helping me achieve this,” he said. “In the future, I would like to be a senior consultant or a subject matter expert (SME), but it depends on the time. Later down the line, I would like to open my own firm to help develop leaders, individuals and teams.”
He is thankful for his time at Midland. He shares what he liked best about being a student and how it impacted him in the business world.
“The connections and opportunity to create impact,” he said. “This helped me focus on being a leader and making a difference.”
Meet THE NEW PRESIDENT OF Midland University
Q&A WITH PRESIDENT DR. ALY WILLIAMS
Dr. Aly Williams officially started as Midland University President on April 10, 2025. Prior to her arrival at Midland, Williams served as Vice President of Academic Affairs, College of Arts and Sciences, and Chief Academic Officer at Indiana Wesleyan University in Marion, Indiana. She served in a variety of roles at IWU for 25 years, including Professor of Exercise Science and Athletic Training, as well as serving as Athletic Trainer for 10 years. Williams earned a Psychology degree from Indiana Wesleyan and an MS in Physical Education from Eastern Illinois University. She later earned her PhD in Public Health from Walden University.
Q: What got you interested in the education field, specifically higher education?
A: After completing my Master’s degree, I worked as an Athletic Trainer for a hospital system and provided medical coverage for a local high school. While I loved the work, I didn’t love splitting my time between the two locations and I wanted the opportunity to work with higher level athletes. An open position at my alma mater, Indiana Wesleyan, in the athletic training department provided me that opportunity. This new role also required me to teach in their athletic training undergraduate program. Over time I realized how much I loved the classroom, teaching and engaging with students and decided to transition away from sport coverage into a full time teaching role.
Looking back on over 25 years in higher education, I’ve realized the profound influence my mother’s educational journey had on me, something I didn’t fully appreciate until much later in life. Growing up, my mom stayed home full time, raising me and my brothers. Once my youngest brother went to college, she went back to school to complete her undergraduate degree in education and began to teach full time. I still have a vivid memory of watching her graduation, as a sixth grader, cheering loudly and beaming with pride at her accomplishment. Looking back, I realize the impact of that experience and how much it impacted my views on higher education and the importance of a college degree.
Q: You have a Midwestern upbringing. What does that mean to you and what values has that instilled in you?
A: I grew up on a grain farm in rural southern Illinois and am very proud to be a farmer’s daughter. There are several areas of my professional life where I see reflections of my Midwestern upbringing.
Hard Work - Living and working on a farm requires hard work. I watched my dad go to work early and stay out late, whatever was needed to get the job done. I can remember spending many days during summer vacation walking bean fields to weed out scavenger corn, tending to our 4-H animals, and working on various tasks around the farm, whatever needed to be done. Now, I’ll also be the first to admit that I sometimes take hard work overboard, I’ve had to learn how to balance hard work with appropriate rest.
Sabbath Rest - While I have not always been good at rest, my father gave me a great example that I continue to learn from yet today. Farming is not predictable, the weather has a strong impact on your ability to get things done, rain might cancel your entire work week and you must learn to adjust. Yet, one thing that my father modeled was appropriate rest. In all my years growing up, I never once saw my father work on a Sunday, it was his day of rest. It could be the only day of the week actually fit to farm yet he never gave in. He modeled the Sabbath, a day of worship and rest, something that I try to continue to model today in my own work/life balance.
Financial Stewardship - As I said, farming can be unpredictable, some years were more bountiful than others. I watched my parents navigate the lean years while other years were more plentiful. While I never remember being without, watching my parents manage and provide for their kids helped me to understand how to save and how to plan for future unpredictabilities.
Q: In the time you have been at Midland, what are your impressions of the university?
A: Midland is an incredible place with exceptional people who care deeply about students. I have seen this care for students go beyond their performance in the classroom or co-curricular participation and is a care for the whole student, all parts of their lives. This spring I was able to meet with several student groups and asked about their Midland experience. One thing they praised over and over was their amazing connection to faculty and staff. This highlights one of the amazing advantages of attending a small private institution.
I am also so impressed by the number of alumni who work for Midland. In these alumni, I see people who had an amazing college experience at Midland and they want to return to help provide the same high level of care and an amazing experience for our current students. I think this speaks volumes about the care we provide to our students and the quality of the experience at Midland.
Q: You have a strong background in athletics. With Midland having the largest athletic department (33 varsity sports) in the state, how can your knowledge in athletics serve the university?
A: I hope it proves to be very helpful long term. I believe I have a very good understanding of the impact that an athletic program can have on a college campus. As a former VP of academics, I also have a strong appreciation for the arts and their value to a campus. Both provide an opportunity for students to continue doing what they love while also providing them a point of connection, a group to which they can connect and belong. Athletics, the arts and other co-curricular activities, are often key selling points that help draw a student to an institution, which is very important as we continue to focus on achieving a healthy enrollment. Regarding athletics specifically, I want to help us continue to evaluate the role athletics plays at Midland and how we can provide the best possible experience for our student-athletes. Serving as a faculty member in academics for many years, I also
understand the balance that must exist between athletics and academics. Student-athletes are just that, students who are also athletes. Their performance in the classroom is just as, if not more, important as their performance on the field, or court, or wherever they participate.
Q: Midland University’s mission statement is to inspire people to learn and lead in the world with purpose. What does that mean to you and how can you convey that message to students and the Midland community?
A: This mission statement is one of the reasons I came to Midland, it inspired me. I think there is a strong connection between this mission statement and the goal of the Network of ELCA Colleges & Universities (NECU) of which Midland is a part. Lutheran education places emphasis on vocation, helping students discover what is meaningful to them, how their gifts and talents connect, and how they can use all of this to be in service to others. This is at the very heart of Midland’s mission statement. Generally we all love to do things that inspire us, it gives our lives purpose and meaning. For Midland students, we provide them with a place to learn and grow, and a place to develop leadership skills so they can go out and live a life of purpose.
Q: What are your visions for Midland, both short and long term?
A: Asking about my vision for the institution is such an interesting question, an incredibly important one and one I’ve been asked several times. However, I don’t think it can solely be my vision but it must be our vision, the vision of the Midland community. If Midland is going to thrive as an institution now and into the future, we must come together and develop a shared vision and a strategy that will help us achieve that vision.
So perhaps that’s the short term vision, to come together as a community and have conversations about Midland’s strengths such as our exceptional faculty-student connections, look at where we can improve, and identify potential new opportunities. Then together, we can create a strategy that focuses on these items.
Long term, I hope the plan that we create allows us to continue to provide an experience that leans into our student focused approach to learning while also continuing to be relentlessly relevant, preparing students to live out their vocation in a life of service to others.
Under the guidance of coach Jake McThenia '20, the Midland University Shotgun Sports program has maintained its place among the top teams in the nation.
That’s a pretty good accomplishment considering McThenia didn’t even know Fremont, Nebraska, existed a little over a decade ago.
It may have been humble beginnings for McThenia, but in his five years as head coach of the program, he has worked hard to continue that legendary coach Bret Erickson established when he started the program in 2012.
McThenia grew up in a small town in Maryland and found his way to Nebraska for a 4-H shooting competition in Grand Island. It was there he stumbled upon a table that had information about Midland University, and its relatively new Shotgun Sports program. The rest, as they say, is history.
“I was heading into my senior year of high school and I wasn’t sure what I was going to do,” McThenia said. “I
Shotgun Sports more than just a team, it’s family
started reading some of the information about Midland and thought maybe it was a place I could see myself going.
“By the middle of my senior year, I decided Midland was where I was going. I didn’t make a visit to campus, and I wasn’t even sure where Fremont, Nebraska, was. But my parents and I loaded up my Ford Explorer and headed west.”
Once he began to familiarize himself with campus, his teammates, and his legendary coach, McThenia knew he had made the right decision.
“Bret had such an accomplished background and I was happy to know he would be my coach for the next four years,” he said. “I was teammates with people from all over the country, who came from all different backgrounds, and I really enjoyed that. It was four of the best years of my life.”
When his time as a shooter ended, McThenia was at a crossroads for what was next in his life. Thanks to some
“It’s been an awesome run, and I want to keep going as long as I possibly can,” he said. “Midland gave me a chance several years ago and I would have never guessed it would have taken me this far. To have that lead to a job, in a sport that I love, has been an amazing experience.”
- COACH JAKE MCTHENIA '20
”
persistence from Erickson, his journey at Midland would continue.
“I was trying to plan out my next step and Bret was relentless in wanting me to come back and be a graduate assistant,” he said.
Two years later, Erickson retired as head coach, turning the reins over to McThenia. Following a legend is never easy as Erickson, a four-time Olympian shooter, had built the Midland program into one of the best in the nation. They won four straight conference titles under his guidance and captured the 2016 ACUI National Championship. Not an easy act to follow.
“Bret left big shoes and I may never fill those shoes in certain areas,” McThenia said. “But I’ve taken my own path and worked to leave my own mark. I still talk to Bret often and he’s been a great resource for me.”
Much like it was when he was a shooter himself, Midland’s roster is littered with shooters from all over the country, ranging from California to Florida. The 2024-25 roster featured shooters from 18 different states.
“Everywhere you look, there are new organizations popping up all over the country, so it’s provided more opportunities,” McThenia said. “It’s easy for me to relate to kids who are coming halfway across the country because I’ve been there myself.
“Our team is very embracing to their new teammates. They bring everyone together and get them socializing so they aren’t just sitting in their rooms feeling homesick.”
One of those shooters who traveled a great distance to compete at Midland is Mason Andelin. A 2025 graduate, Andelin came from Sutter Creek, California, to be a part of the Midland experience.
“I had the chance to meet some of the members of the Midland shotgun team and after hearing about their experiences, I knew it would be a great opportunity to keep doing what I love doing, while being part of a supportive and competitive community.”
Both McThenia and Andelin point to the team dynamic as a reason people want to be a part of the Warrior program, and also a reason why it leaves a lasting impression on them.
“This team has always been close, both during the season and outside of it,” Andelin said. “We’re always doing something together, whether it’s practice, traveling, or just hanging out, and that’s helped build strong, lasting connections. While people come and go, I’ve stayed in touch with almost everyone who’s graduated, which really shows how tight-knit the team is.”
McThenia said getting the right athlete, not just the most talented, is an important component of having strong team chemistry.
“Every coach wants talented individuals, but in addition to that, I want kids who will take care of business in the classroom, as well as being a good teammate,” McThenia said. “It can be a very individual sport, and we’re proud of those individual accomplishments, but I’m equally proud of what we do as a team.”
Those team accomplishments include another conference title, as well as a fourth place finish in the ACUI/SCTP Shooting Sports National Championships in March in San Antonio, Texas.
“Nationals in San Antonio have been a highlight each year,” Andelin said. “The competition, the atmosphere, and the memories made there are unforgettable.
“This team has been more than just a way to keep shooting, it’s been a place to grow, connect, and create lasting friendships. We’ve consistently performed well, but what stands out the most are the people I’ve shared it with. The team spirit, win or lose, has created a strong bond that makes every moment meaningful.”
With more than a decade of Midland orange and blue running through his blood, McThenia is appreciative of the students he’s had the opportunity to both compete with, and coach, over the years.
“It’s been an awesome run, and I want to keep going as long as I possibly can,” he said. “Midland gave me a chance several years ago and I would have never guessed it would have taken me this far. To have that lead to a job, in a sport that I love, has been an amazing experience.”
Celebrating a Decade of Dedication
JODY HORNER’S LASTING LEGACY AT MIDLAND
After 10 years of guiding Midland University as its 16th president, Jody Horner retired in April of 2025.
President Horner left a lasting legacy in her decade at Midland, and her accomplishments have set the university up for continued success.
Some of her many accomplishments during her time at Midland include:
• The addition of a new residence hall, Miller Hall
• Addition of Eikmeier Commons and renovation of the dining hall
• Midland’s 1:1 Initiative, in which every student receives an iPad and Apple Pencil as part of their Midland education
• Midland becoming Nebraska’s first university to earn Apple Distinguished School status in 2021
The opening of the Omaha location, Center for Graduate and Professional Studies, and the launch of Midland University Online
• Addition of the Simulation Lab for nursing students in partnership with Methodist Fremont Health
Adoption of university-wide learning goals known as DRIVE
• Multiple new programs, including the Midland Code Academy, Agribusiness, and Midland’s first doctoral degree, a Doctor of Education in Innovation and Leadership
• Completion of the $50 million With Purpose campaign, Midland’s largest, in 2020 and launching the current Bring Home the Bold campaign in 2022
Midland is grateful for her decade of dedication!
Thank you, President Horner!
A one-credit internship at Midland University helped spark a 50-year career in radio for John Steyer '85.
He has become one of the area’s most recognized and decorated radio personalities during that time. Steyer (or Steve Lundy, as he is known to his listeners) has spent the past 21 years with KAT 103.7 as part of the Steve & Gina in the Morning show.
FROM Midland to Morning Radio:
John Steyer '85 Reflects on Five Decades Behind the Mic
His love for radio was sparked as a child, when he would listen to stations from all over the Midwest. “I’ve always been fascinated with the magic of radio,” he said. “I would lay in bed at night, listening to stations in Fremont, Omaha, Chicago, and even Oklahoma City. I was amazed at the thought that far away, there was someone talking and having a great time playing music, and it was coming through the air into my radio.”
The Fremont native continued to pursue that dream when he entered Midland and was presented with an
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
opportunity to intern at the local station (KHUB) and see what life was like on the other side of the radio dial.
“I had a chance to get one credit hour interning at the local station and I thought that sounded like fun,” he said. “I spent about 8 to 10 hours a week at the station and I enjoyed that atmosphere so much. A few people, including the program director and a couple of an-air personalities, took an interest in me. They would let me practice with the equipment when the station went off the air at 1 a.m.
“By this time, I was married (to his wife of 49 years, Terri) and I eventually begged my way into a part-time job. Not long after that, they believed I was ready to fill a full-time position that became available.”
And so began a journey that has taken Steyer to several different stations across four cities, playing everything from top 40 hits and classic rock, to a stint on newstalk radio before landing in his current role entertaining country music fans across the Omaha metro.
He and his radio partner, Gina Melton, were recognized with the 2024 Country Music Award for Medium Market
Broadcast Personality of the Year. It added to a long list of accolades for Steyer, who has twice been selected as the Academy of Country Music Radio Personality of the Year. He was also in the inaugural class of the Nebraska Radio Personality Hall of Fame and is an Omaha Press Club honoree for Face on the Barroom Floor.
“Winning the CMA Award was definitely a highlight,” Steyer said. “I’ve been blessed to receive several awards and honors throughout my career, but that one I believe is the hardest to achieve in our line of work. It’s basically the Academy Awards of radio.
“But I can honestly say I never have given thought to doing this to receive any accolades or awards. It’s never really crossed my mind when I do what I do.”
The better part of his career has been spent as a morning personality, which usually involves a 4 a.m. wakeup to be prepared to be on the air, and ready to entertain, by 5:30 each morning. So whether he is feeling the morning vibes or not, Steyer knows he needs to be at his best to help others get their day started.
“Everyone has their day and their routine, and knowing
we are part of it is really incredible,” he said. “We hear so many stories from listeners about the way they use our radio station, our show, and the impact we have on their days. Whether it is going to be a good day, or a hard day, it really is an honor to be there for them. It’s a chance to impact how their whole day starts, which still fascinates me to this day.”
Steyer’s ties to Midland date back to the early 1960s when his father, Dr. Caryl Steyer, arrived on campus. Dr. Steyer would serve in a variety of roles until his retirement in 1987 and John was often right by his side on campus.
“I was a toddler when we became a member of the Midland family and it has become ingrained in who I am,” he said. “My father became an icon to a lot of people here, in his roles as instructor, administrator, and trusted confidant to many students. My Midland athletic
fandom goes back to when I was a ball boy for Coach My Draemel’s basketball teams, and I was also a member of the Midland choir and Clef Dwellers.”
The Steyer-Midland connection runs strong, spanning three generations. Steyer’s two older siblings attended Midland and he himself, after taking some time off to start his family, came back to graduate in 1985.
Two of his sons, Adam and Dylan '16, were integral parts of the Midland baseball program, Adam as a coach and Dylan as an All-American player. Dylan still holds many single-season and career marks at Midland and was a four-time All-GPAC Conference honoree. Dylan also met his wife, Kylie (Schmitz) '15, while attending Midland.
Steyer continues to be an avid supporter of both the arts and athletic programs at Midland and there is a
“Everyone has their day and their routine, and knowing we are part of it is really incredible. We hear so many stories from listeners about the way they use our radio station, our show, and the impact we have on their days. Whether it is going to be a good day, or a hard day, it really is an honor to be there for them. It’s a chance to impact how their whole day starts, which still fascinates me to this day.”
- JOHN STEYER '85
scholarship in honor of his parents (Dr. Caryl and Shirley Steyer) that helps pave the way for the next generation of Midland students.
“Terri and I will always be engaged as long as possible and we love supporting the athletics and MidlandUArts in particular,” he said. “I’ve seen what an impact Midland can have both in scholastics and extra-curricular activities, but also in the community. It’s hard to imagine Fremont without Midland and I want to be a part of this as long as I can.”
As he looks back on his career, one of Steyer’s favorite aspects is the way he has played a role in the daily lives of so many listeners over the years.
“I’ve always enjoyed having a good time and making people happy, I guess I’m a people pleaser,” he said. “I’m truly blessed to be able to be who I am and have that be enough for some people. When you hear Gina and
myself in the morning, that is exactly who we are, no false pretenses. I always kind of half-joke that I don’t have a lot of close friends that I hang out with, but in reality, I have thousands each morning. That’s enough to make me want to get up as early as I do, with no real thought of that ending anytime soon.”
His love for radio and entertaining listeners has never wavered but even the college student, who would stay until the wee hours of the morning learning the ins and outs of radio, would be hard-pressed to believe it would have turned into a 50-year career.
“Not a chance,” Steyer said. “I was already married when I was 20 and started our family soon after that. I thought maybe it would be enough to support a family until I discovered what I wanted to do with my life. I never could have imagined what all this turned into. I’ve been involved with people’s lives and their family’s lives in so many ways.”
MIDLAND UNIVERSITY
Performing Arts Society
At Midland University, we believe every student deserves an opportunity to experience the Arts. Joining together, we have the ability to directly impact arts programming at Midland University. Join the PAS today at midlandu.edu/pas
IMMANUEL-MIDLAND NURSING ALUMNI ASSOCIATION celebrates 100-year anniversary in style
A memorable celebration recognized a memorable milestone for the Immanuel Midland Nursing Alumni Association.
The IMNAA celebrated its 100-year anniversary on April 12, 2025 at the Wikert Event Center. More than 225 guests were in attendance, featuring both Immanuel and Midland alumni from as far back as 1955, to 2025 Midland University nursing graduates.
In the late 1960s and early 1970s, Immanuel Medical Center and Midland began discussions regarding the development of a bachelor’s degree program at Midland. Immanuel admitted its class of nurses in 1974 as Midland appointed Kathleen Cheney, Director, and Dr. Martha Foxhall, Assistant Director, to help transition the program. Immanuel would graduate its last class of 40 nurses in 1976. The first students in the Midland four-year nursing program were admitted in the fall of 1974 with 34 students graduating from the program in 1978.
Dr. Lois Linden, Immanuel Class of '72, was appointed chairperson for the planning committee. She said years of planning went into the event.
“In line with what the vision of both the IMNAA board and the planning committee was, we wanted to make sure that everything was appropriate for this event,” Linden said. “There was great communication between everyone and all of the great brainstorming helped this event turn out to be what it was.”
Alumni came from across the country for the event. Also in attendance were Anthony Ashby, President of CHI Health Immanuel Medical Center; Scott Johnson, Bishop of the Nebraska ELCA Synod; Dr. Aly Wlliams, President of Midland University; and Fremont City Councilwoman Sally Ganem, who presented a proclamation to honor the event.
“There were so many great moments,” said Joan Wellensiek, Immanuel Class of '72 and President of the IMNAA. “I think what meant the most to me was seeing the intertwining and good feelings from the early graduates, to the late graduates, and everyone in between. It wasn’t like people were just visiting with those from their class, they were mingling with people from all classes. There were stories from all the years, and you could relate to all of them.”
“There were so many great moments. I think what meant THE most to me was seeing the intertwining and good feelings from the early graduates, to the late graduates, and everyone in between.”
- JOAN WELLENSIEK, IMMANUEL CLASS OF '72 & PRESIDENT OF THE IMNAA
There were a variety of displays on hand, everything from old yearbooks to medical equipment and uniforms.
“It was great how much information was available, and that was just scratching the surface of everything there was,” Linden said.
Dr. Sheila Exstrom, Immanuel Class of '64, was presented posthumously with the IMNAA Kathleen Cheney Lifetime Achievement Award.
Classes dating back to the mid 1920s, all the way to the 2025 class, were celebrated. The IMNAA Shining Light Award was presented to Nyajuok Tongyik Doluony '09, while the IMNAA Excellence in Nursing Award was given to Col. Reynold Mosier '86.
“I was very touched by the Dr. Sheila Exstrom legacy video,” Linden said. “It was a great honor to someone who has passed, but made such meaningful contributions to the program. I also enjoyed seeing the Nebraska Nurse Honor Guard and their touching tribute to nurses from so many generations.”
The IMNAA also presented scholarships to current Midland nursing students, helping pay forward for the next generation of nurses.
“Dr. Foxhall helped lay the foundation when she arrived at Midland,” said Carol Bohling, Immanuel Class of '68 and Vice President of the IMNAA Executive Board. “The curriculum is helping produce good nurses and we all want to see that continue.”
Whether they were graduates of Immanuel or Midland, Wellensiek said there was a common thread shared by all nurses at the event.
“You go through so much together and there are so many stories to share,” she said. “Nursing school is hard, and you can definitely feel that bond between nurses, almost like a sisterhood.”
As the nation continues to face a shortage of nurses, Linden wants nurses to understand the difference they can make to a family through difficult times.
“I don’t think nurses fully realize the impact they can have on other people’s lives,” she said. “The number of people and families who are touched by a nurse is astounding.
“We had one of the 2025 graduates (Chiara Richeson) speak and she was such an energetic, enthusiastic, and positive young lady. Meeting with her gave me hope for the future of nursing.”
It was a day that allowed generations of nurses to share stories, and give recognition and appreciation to those who came before them, and those who will follow in the years to come.
“It took a team effort by so many people to make this happen,” Wellensiek said. “We hope everyone had a good time and will want to be a part of future reunions. It was a great event.”
Myana Sigers
CLASS OF 2025
MAJOR: Double major in Sociology & Criminal Justice
HOMETOWN: Miramar, Florida
CAMPUS ACTIVITIES: Flag Football, Howard Hanson Honors Program, MidlandUArts, Criminal Justice Club, Pi Gamma Mu Honor Society, Sigma Tau Delta English Honor Society, and Black Student Union (President)
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO ATTEND MIDLAND?
Midland gave me the opportunity to play flag football while continuing my education.
HOW HAS MIDLAND CHANGED YOU?
Midland has offered me perspective on different viewpoints and helped me foster my passion to help others.
WHAT MEMORIES OF MIDLAND WILL YOU CARRY WITH YOU?
Midland has allowed me the opportunity to play in Memorial Stadium, Mercedes Benz Stadium (Atlanta), and Arrowhead Stadium (Kansas City). I will forever be grateful for the support and guidance I’ve received.
WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS AFTER GRADUATION?
My plan is to attend law school to hopefully be able to practice in policy advocacy or to earn a dual degree with a JD and MS in Sports leadership and coaching. My goal someday is to open up my own agency for the future of flag football.
FOUNTAIN SOCIETY
NAVY CIRCLE (3-5 YEARS GIVING)
Kay Andersen '59
Anonymous
Shirley Asmussen '73
Leanne Atwood '91
Dr. Melissa '15 & Trey '13 Baker
Scott '00 & Bridget '01 Bear
Allen Beermann '62
Susan Bender '72
Bergan Catholic School
Bethlehem Lutheran Church
Dr. Brett Bieber '04 & Sarah Gacke
JJ '95 & Jennifer '97 Bixby
Blazer Manufacturing Company
Gary & Denise Bolton
Chandra & Dan Bombeck
Linda Branch '80
Robert Brandt
Brian '87 & Pamela '88 Brodd
Liah Burke '19
The Rev. Wayne '61 & Ronnie Buskirk
Kristina Cammarano
Gary Carlson '68
Kristin Cassari '68
Children's Hospital & Medical Center
CL Werner Foundation
Cooper Foundation
Eric & Nicole Crouch
Peggy Cunningham '73
D&T Shirtified
Mandy Dames '25
Sandra Dames '95
Darlene M. & Reuben T. Swanson Foundation
Lisa Benson-DeVries '92 & Don DeVries '92
Kevin & Nichol Dolezal
Beth Dorsey
Jeff '70 & Bev '71 Draemel
Jeff '84 & Marcy Droge
Justin Duckwiler
Ryan Eddie '95
Dr. Vicki Edwards '72
Eide Bailly LLP
Donna Elvik '60
Enterprise Holdings Foundation
Richard '69 & Ellen Erwin
Brian '82 & Lori '82 Essen
Jay '79 & Sheri '79 Feala
Devon '76 & Denise '78 Fischer
Janet Florick
Fremont Area Veterans Coalition
Fremont Nutrition
Thomas Galas
Eugene '85 & Brenda Garrelts
Troy '94 & Jennifer '95 Gay
Mary '84 & Kevin '84 Giesselmann
The Fountain Society celebrates donors who commit to making a difference year after year, representing the heart of Midland's donor base. The society recognizes alumni, friends, and businesses who make consecutive charitable gifts in any amount for over 3 years. Thank you to all of our Fountain Society donors for their continued support in our 2024-25 fiscal year!
*Denotes deceased within the 2024-25 fiscal year
Rikkel Glosser
Peter Gotsch & Dr. Jana French
Jonathan Graves
Ryan Griesinger
Bret & Brenda Griess
Gringo's
Russ '84 & Jane Gronewold
Mike & Jan Guilliatt
David '72 & Mary '74 Hamblen
Doug & Kathleen Hartmann
Libby Havenridge
Chris & Kerri Hayhurst
Rebecca '68 & Charles Hays
Paul '92 & Kathryn '92 Heineman
Robert '75 & Brenda '75 Hemje
Donna Hintz '69
Dr. Ron Holt, Jr.
Tom & Nancy Holt
Butch '71 & Caroline '67 Hug
Evan '21 & Lauren Hunt
Ideal Images
Immanuel
Billy Jacobson
Laura & Ryan Jensen
Taylor '12 & Madeline '11 Jeppesen
The Rev. Mark '74 & Mary '73 Johns
Joel Johnston
Kiel's Barber Shop
Joan Korte
Ronald & Carolyn Kranz
La Hacienda Mexican Restaurant
Roger Lambourn '72
Adam '04 & Jill '04 Lamprecht
Amy Larsen
Alton '58 & Dodie Larson
Dawn Larson '92
Marge Leeper
Jake '04 & Chelsea Lentfer
Dr. Lois Linden '72 & Dr. MJ Petersen
Randahl '66 & Anita Lindgren
Brian & Kristin Liquori
Pat Loontjer
Christine Lund '78
Lund-Ross Constructors, Inc
Joyce Madsen '61
Brett '06 & Danielle Malchow
James Marcotte
Ruth Marcus-Compton
David McDonald
The Rev. Clint '60 & Rosita '61 McDonald
Drs. Thomas & Evelyn McKnight
Sean '96 & Beth '99 McMahon
Scott & Patty Meister
Craig Miller
Marilyn Miller '62
Mohair Hills Angoras
Lawrence '64 & Judith '62 Mosner
Larry Munn '64
Rico '93 & Kay Munn
Dr. Jennifer Murnane-Rainey
Kathryn Nadlman '77
Bradley '86 & Shawn '86 Nick
Vickie Novak '80
Jill Nyquist '79
Anna & Matt O'Reilly
Emma Oborny '19
Darrell & Kirsten Olson
Emma '23 & Vince '24 Ongtangco
Joseph '72 & Patricia Onstott
Dawn Osness
P.E.O. Sisterhood - Chapter GH
Shelli Panning '79
Evelyn Perry '63
Charles '55 & Lois '55 Peterson
Brooke Phillips '19
Lee '76 & Brenda '78 Phillips
Pohocco Lutheran Church
Mary '78 & William Piernot
Dr. Amy Pinkall '93
Sara Pirtle '75
Greg Rankin
Jim Rinde & Rev. Donna Patterson
John Rinde '77
Judy '70 & Tom Rine
Patricia Rolf
Cammy Romanuck Murphy
Susan '78 & Robert Sandstrom
Stevan Schneider '80 & Dr. Lori Moseman '74
Lynn '89 & Eric Schnoor
Marge '68 & Ron Schultz
Tom '00 & Melissa Schuneman
Kate Schwarz '07
Brittany Scully
Sarah Sell
Mary Shannon
Larry '72 & Linda Shepard
Kimberly Sieck '80
Beth Singleton
Kelli Slagle '00
Matthew '92 & Julie '93 Sleister
Cindy Slykhuis
Rev. Dr. Carlyle '54 & Sharon Smith
Courtney '12 & Chris Sund
Kathryn Swanson '82
Kermit Sweeny, Jr. '74
Michael Sweigart
Mary Syre '62
Courtney & Brandon Thomsen
Eileen & Bob Thornburg
Michelle '93 & Jeff Thornburg
Amanda Timmerman
Dale & Cindy Tranmer
Trinity Lutheran Church
Amy & Eddie Tritsch
Eileen Troy '76
Connie '67 & Dean Ullerich
Tony '92 & Micki '95 Urban
Joy M. Valine '70
Victor Outdoor Advertising
Colonel Tom '63 & Beverly '64 Vitamvas
Tammy '88 & Monty Vonasek
Kenneth '69 & Judith '68 VonSeggern
Kendra L. Voss '97
Brodi Willard '15
Debra Welk '72
David '71 & Phyllis Wennstedt
Gina '03 & Jeffrey '04 Wiitanen
Patrick Woods
Dr. Danielle Wooldrik '08
Kari '83 & Brad '84 Wragge
The Rev. Helmut '73 & Jodeen '73 Yurk
Joan Zanders '67
ORANGE CIRCLE (6-10 YEARS GIVING)
Delten Andresen '72
The Rev. Dean Bard '67
Robert '85 & Linda Bendig
Deborah Brester '12
Randal & Sue Burns
Dr. Lawrence '02 & Katie Chatters
Council of Independent Nebraska Colleges
Foundation
Donna Cousino '59
Matt Dean '16
Stephen Deets
Dan '84 & Dr. Melody Denson
Lori '91 & Steve Doellman
Robert Doerr '75
Don Peterson & Associates Real Estate
Dr. Lynn & Stuart Embury
The Rev. Philip '58 & Dee '58 Erlander
Myrna Esluer '66
Stuart '75 & Denise Essman
Lori '07 & Jay Ethier
Dr. Lynette Exum '94
Chuck Farraj
Theresa & Mark Ferg
Janice Feye-Stukas '65
Marija Fine '65
First Community Bank
Jamie & Craig Folkers
Virginia Follstad '54
Fremont Kiwanis Club
Gene Steffy's Chrysler
Janice '82 & Darrell Gerdes
Joan '77 & Shane Giese
Guilliatt & Associates
Kimberly '81 & David Guinn
Rev. Peggy Hall
Lucille Hansen '64
Rev. Dr. Carl Hansen
Joe '01 & Sherri '02 Harnisch
Kathy & Dan Hays
Eric '99 & Jaime '99 Heedum
David '74 & Polly '74 Hendee
Dr. Ryan & Terese Hendrickson
Becky & Steve Hotovy
Jessica Janssen Wolford '14 & Eric Wolford
Sandra Jech '61
C. William Joe '68
Chuck & Caryl Johannsen
Dr. J. Ronald Johnson
Gerald '62 & Arlene '61 Johnson
Juice Stop
Keep Fremont Beautiful, Inc.
Doug & Julie Kirby
Adam Knowlton
Tracy '80 & Kevin Kochenderfer
Sherry Koehler '87
Keaton '18 & Faye '17 Kreikemeier
Sieg & Brenda Krueger
Kay Kruse '64
Carolyn Lack
Nicholas & Cheryl Lamme
Lynn '77 & Cynthia '78 Lamprecht
Trudy Lans '71
Lincoln Premium Poultry
Lou's Sporting Goods
Janet '79 & Galen* '79 Madsen
Richard & Carol McGill
Karen McMahon
Mendlik Audiology, LLC
David Millar
Drs. Elliott '69 & Susan '70 Moeser
Donald Munson '70
John '64 & Linda Nelson
Megan Nielsen
Norine Nieman '68
Richard Nothwehr '82
Lon '76 & Wendy '78 Olson
Janet '66 & Leroy Ostransky
Sheri Paden '77
Julieta Payan '72
Jon '90 & Karen '87 Peppmuller
Gary '70 & Carol '72 Perkins
Cecelia Peterson
Richard Peterson '65 & Helene Olson Peterson
Vicki Ramsay '75
Dr. Bob '73 & Sue Roesch
Craig Ronhovde '82
Beth Rosenquist '78
Matt '98 & Julie Rossow
Dr. Evangeline Rukundo
The Rev. Martin '86 & Lori Russell
Dan '82 & Connie '84 Schnoes
Michaela '18 & Weston '19 Shepard
Alan Shovan '15
Dr. Jamie Simpson
Ronald '67 & Marjorie Slegl
Robert Steed
Debra '79 & Kevin Stripling
Don & Ann Studier
Mary Suhr
Paul '68 & Donna '68 Suhr
Drs. Connie & Steven Taylor
The Rev. Dr. Walter '69 & Dyann '69 Taylor
Eric '92 & Kim '94 Taylor
Jeffrey '68 & Barbara Taylor
Richard Toftness '66
Carol Trower '72
Emily '93 & Ward Wageman
Robert '73 & Judi Walker
Mitchell '16 & Sydney Walker
Sara Waring-Tiedeman
Waste Connections
Ronald & Cindy Weaklend
Joan Wellensiek '72
Jason White
Susan Wieland '75
Daniel '80 & Kathy Wiesen
Brenda '07 & Brian '09 Wilberding
Lois Wilken '76
Kerry Williams
Dr. Linda Winkler '76
Doris Wobken '76
WARRIOR CIRCLE (11-15 YEARS GIVING)
Sherri Adams '65
Dr. Marcia Anderson '64
Sharon '64 & Donald Anderson
Robin Berger '85
Carol '68 & Lonnie Bohling
Dr. Werner & Suzanne Boos
Marilyn Brei '73
Mary Ann Brennan '78
Fred & Kay Brown
The Rev. Marlin Carlson '67
David & Cynthia Christensen
Herbert Clauson '52
Sheri Ebers '69
Clint '04 & Ashley Eikmeier
Fremont Electric Inc.
Scott & Judy Getzschman
Paul & Dr. Paige Giesselmann
Donald Hessenflow '64 & Cathy Dawson
Jody & Blair Horner
Dr. Norman '57 & Lori Jensen
Kathleen Judd
Don '80 & Roxanne Kluthe
Jess '00 & Jeremy Knoell
John Konecky '85
Methodist Fremont Health
Richard & Joyce Myers
Raymond '54 & Ruth Nelson
Joan Nordstrom '58
Shane Perrien
Joanne Prauner '68
Peggy '78 & Steve Pribnow
Dr. Kris Roberts '91
Dr. David '69 & Karen* '69 Rohlfing
Ron Rossow
Runza National
Dr. Nick '11 & Katie '12 Schreck
St. Timothy Lutheran Church
LaVonne Stewart '06
John '85 & Terri Steyer
Carol '62 & Bob* '62 Taylor
Trinity Lutheran Church
Matt Turner '05
Rachel '09 & JP Wachter
Douglas & Linda Watson
Cdr. Laurel & Lynn Wessman
UNIVERSITY CIRCLE (16-19 YEARS GIVING)
Anonymous
Carol Brandert '63
Rita & David Bristol
Kris & Dan Dvorak
Erickson & Brooks
Elizabeth Hoffman-Carlson '90
Janis Jordan '07
Dr. Chintamani & Bhaswati Manish
Dr. Henry Krusiewicz & Janice Pemberton
Del '61 & LaRue Roberts
Colonel Todd '85 & Lucy Tillman
Jason '96 & Roberta Tonjes
Beth '78 & Lindell '79 Whitney
MIDLAND UNIVERSITY
PRESIDENT'S SOCIETY
Midland’s President’s Society encourages a culture of annual giving to support the continued mission and work of the university. The society recognizes alumni, friends, and businesses who make an annual contribution of $1,000 or more to Midland. Thank you to all of our President’s Society donors for their support in 2024-25!
$100,000+
Anonymous
Compass Group (Fresh Ideas Management)
Donald Dau Charitable Trust
Brad, Lisa '88, & Nick '24 NovakTrustees of the Schilke Hockey
Endowment Trust
Dale Olson
Rupert Dunklau Foundation
Tom '81 & Laura Walker
$50,000-$99,999
Steven '76 & Corinne Feye
Fremont Area Community Foundation
Health Care Information Systems
Jody & Blair Horner
Immanuel Vision Foundation
RVR Bank
Ryzer, LLC
$25,000-$49,999
Anonymous
Dr. Ron '59 & Patsy '59 Braun
CL Werner Foundation
Council of Independent Nebraska Colleges Foundation
Fremont & Dodge County Convention & Visitors Bureau
Andrew Frisque
Bret & Brenda Griess
INSPRO/Marsh McLennan Agency
Randy '76 & Janet '75 Koski
Nicholas & Cheryl Lamme
Alton '58 & Dodie Larson
Lester Walker Foundation
Lou's Sporting Goods
Terry & Linda McClain
Lawrence '64 & Judith '62 Mosner
Nebraska Cancer Specialists
Nebraska Synod ELCA
John Rinde '77
Runza National
Sid Dillon
Mary Syre '62
Tomson Family Foundation
Judy Weddle '66
Wilson Foundation - Terry O'Reilly
$2,500-$4,999
Ginny Allen
Anonymous
Donna Bright '75
Aaron '04 & Shelly Brondum
David & Cynthia Christensen
Cooper Foundation
Katherine Dodge
Eide Bailly LLP
Enterprise Holdings Foundation
Event Strategy Group (Lenovo/Intel)
Devon '76 & Denise '78 Fischer
Fremont Kiwanis Club
Gene Steffy's Chrysler
Deanna Guarienti
Joseph '01 & Sherri '02 Harnisch
Loren '69 & Dianne Havekost
Elizabeth Hofmann-Carlson '90
Honor Across America, Inc.
Butch '71 & Caroline '67 Hug
Ideal Images
Fred Ladehoff '90
Lynn '77 & Cynthia '78 Lamprecht
Doug '80 & Kris Lanik
Jacob '04 & Chelsea Lentfer
Leonard Nielsen Memorial Fund
Lincoln Community Foundation
Dr. Lois Linden '72 & Dr. MJ Petersen
Nelnet Foundation
William C. Nelsen '63
Nelson Produce
Mike '75 & Kim Pirtle
Pueblo Electric's Inc.
David '93 & Kari '00 Ridder
Del '61 & LaRue Roberts
S2 Rolloffs & Refuse
Dr. Jamie Simpson
Paul '68 & Donna '68 Suhr
Roger '81 & Karen Thompson
Bill & Joan Vobejda
Kenneth '69 & Judy '68 VonSeggern
Dr. F. Thomas Waring
$1,000-$2,499
Josie & Jason Abboud
Anonymous
Anonymous
Kris Barney & Kristi Erdal
Dorothy '61 & Frank Bay
Bell Bank
Robert Benecke
Jodi '99 & Jeff Benjamin
Jennifer '97 & JJ '95 Bixby
Carol '68 & Lonnie Bohling
Pat & Judy Booth
Randal & Sue Burns
Carter & Karen Burnside
Steven '79 & Karen Calta
Dr. Phyllis '68 & James Chapin
Tony Christianson
Sandra Clymer
Kristi Blasingame Craig
Eric & Nicole Crouch
Peggy Cunningham '73
Mike & Andrea Dickey
Wade Dosch & Mary Meierhenry
Ryan Eddie '95
Donna Elvik '60
Lori '07 & Jay Ethier
Dr. Lynette Exum '94
Marija Fine '65
First Community Bank
Five-0-Five Brewing Company (Gesell Enterprises LLC)
Ronald '67 & Rita Freeman
Fusion Medical Staffing
Antonio Granillo
Great Plains Communications
Brian '91 & Heidi '92 Green
Polly '68 & Theodore Hagerty
Rev. Peggy Hall
Rev. Dr. Carl L. Hansen
Lucy Hansen '64
Donald Hessenflow '64 & Cathy Dawson
Erik & Kari Hoegemeyer
Steven '65 & Sherry Jacobsen
Amy Japp
Laura & Ryan Jensen
Dr. J. Ronald Johnson
Dr. James Keisler '49
David Keniston '60
Alex Knobbe '12
Joel '81 & Patty Knudson
John Konecky '85
Keith '87 & Lisa '87 Kramme
Kay Kruse '64
Carolyn Lack
Adam '04 & Jill '04 Lamprecht
Roger '64 & Eileen '64 Larsen
Marilyn Larson '70
Lincoln Premium Poultry
Brian & Kristine Liquori
Janet '79 & Galen* '79 Madsen
Joyce Madsen '61
Ruth Marcus-Compton
Methodist Health System
Judy '61 & Ed Miksch
Drs. Elliott '69 & Sue '70 Moeser
Dave & Shelia Monke
Dr. Jeri '74 & James Morgan
Rico '93 & Kay Munn
Joan Nordstrom '58
Richard Nothwehr '82
Steven '93 & Julie '92 Oliver
Lon '76 & Wendy '78 Olson
Joseph '72 & Patricia Onstott
Sheri Paden '77
Jean Pavela '60
Steve & Peggy '78 Pribnow
Mark '90 & Ann '91 Prince
Brett & Heidi Richmond
Bob '73 & Sue Roesch
Ormal Saathoff '56
Wanda Samson '72
Randy & Jill Schreck
Tom '00 & Melissa Schuneman
Larry '72 & Linda Shepard
Shiny & Dry, LLC (Tommy's Express)
St. Croix Hospice
St. Timothy Lutheran Church
LaVonne Stewart '06
John '85 & Terri Steyer
Mary Suhr
Kenneth '68 & Miriam '68 Sukraw
Amy & Eddie Tritsch
Carol Trower '72
Eileen Troy '76
Tim Vail
Alan & Nicole Vollmer
Paul & Mary Wachter
Rachel '09 & JP Wachter
Robert '73 & Judi Walker
Waste Connections
Douglas & Linda Watson
Cdr. Laurel & Lynn Wessman
Beth '78 & Lindell '79 Whitney
Susan Wieland '75
Lois Wilken '76
Dr. Linda A. Winkler '76
Lynn Wood '76
Rev. Dr. Russell & Frances Anderson
Dr. Marcia Anderson '64
Milo '73 & Cheri Anderson
JJ '95 & Jennifer '97 Bixby
Dr. Ron '59 & Patsy '59 Braun
Clarence Brei
Lloyd '73 & Betty Brooks
Phyllis Carlson
Herbert Clauson '52
Larry '61 & Sandee Collier
Rev. Kenneth Dale '44
Floyd Devereaux '90
Michael '68 & Pam Draemel
Sherie Ebers '69
LuAnn Ehmcke '82
Nicolas Engel '68
Larry '57 & Laurel Erickson
Steve '76 & Corrine Feye
Janice Feye-Stukas '65
Fred '85 & Tracy '85 Halvin
Lucy Hansen '64
Dr. Nancy Harms & Gerhart Wehrbein
Donald Hessenflow '64
Peter Hines '71
Jody & Blair Horner
Dr. Norm '57 & Lori Jensen
Jerry '62 & Arlene '61 Johnson
Midland’s Victory Society recognizes and celebrates alumni and friends who have left a legacy gift to Midland through a bequest or other planned gift through their estate. Donors are recognized in the Victory Society during their lifetimes. We are grateful to these donors for their support of Midland’s students for generations to come.
The Rev. Scott Alan & Dn. Kristin Johnson
LEAVE A LEGACY
Keith '87 & Lisa '87 Kramme
Janet Lack '83
Lynn '77 & Cindi '78 Lamprecht
Roger '71 & Carol Lewis
Dr. Lois Linden '72
Thomas Loseke '77
Sidney Montague '72
Merlin Mortinson
Richard '68 & Marsha* '70 Myers
William Nelsen '63
Gary '74 & Kathy '74 Overfield
Jon '90 & Karen '87 Peppmuller
Fred Pyle
Dr. Bob '73 & Sue Roesch
David '69 & Karen* '69 Rohlfing
Dennis Russell & Gail Watson Russell
Wanda Samson '72
Susan Schmidt '70
Steve Schneider '80 & Dr. Lori Moseman '74
Rev. Joel '75 & Nancy '75 Schroeder
Rev. Bill & Jane Shaner
Byron & Kathy Swanson
Dean Thompson '84
Joe Vance '54
Doug & Linda Watson
Joseph & Jennifer Wiegand
Lynn Wood '76
By including Midland University in your estate through a planned gift or by providing a perpetual gift, you can maximize the impact of your assets and do much more than you ever dreamed possible, often leaving an equal amount to your heirs and extending this gift to support Midland University. alumni.midlandu.edu/planned-giving
MIDLAND UNIVERSITY
LIFETIME SOCIETY
The Lifetime Society honors Midland's strongest and most loyal donors. Lifetime Society members include donors who have given for 20 or more consecutive years, or whose total giving to the university is $500,000 or more. Donors are recognized in perpetuity. Thank you to our loyal Lifetime Society donors for their impactful support to Midland University!
J.C. Anderson*
Anonymous
Marvin Bartling*
Dorothy '61 & Frank Bay
Jodi '99 & Jeff Benjamin
Rev. Drell & Adeline Bernhardson*
Joanne Bowman*
Dr. Troy '90 & Stacey Bracker
Gray Bream* '36
Clarence Brei
Donna Bright '75
Lloyd '73 & Betty Brooks
Herbert Carlson*
Phyllis Carlson
Dr. Julius Christensen* '32
Larry '61 & Sandee Collier
Warren Cooke '68
Council of Independent Nebraska Colleges Foundation
T. Eugene '49 & Carol J. Dahlgren Trust
Donald E. Dau Charitable Trust
Sid Dillon, Sr.
Michael '68 & Pam Draemel
Rupert & Ruth Dunklau*
Rupert Dunklau Foundation
EducationQuest Foundation
Randy '82 & Shelly '83 Eikmeier
ELCA Foundation
Larry '57 & Laurel Erickson
Steve '76 & Corinne Feye
FNBO
Fremont Area Community Foundation
Fresh Ideas Management, LLC
William & Berniece Grewcock*
Polly '68 & Theodore Hagerty
Health Care Information Systems
Roger '71 & Cathy Heedum
Immanuel Vision Foundation
INSPRO Insurance/Marsh
McLennan Agency
Steven '65 & Sherry Jacobsen
Anna Juckniess*
Kimmel Foundation
Sedona Knapp*
Joel '81 & Patty Knudson
Martin '59 & Jacqueline Koolen
Randall '76 & Janet '75 Koski
Keith '87 & Lisa '87 Kramme
Kresge Foundation
Janet Lack '83
Frederick Ladehoff '90
Doug '80 & Kris Lanik
Roger '71 & Carol Lewis
Denise Magnuson '78
Donna '66 & James '52 Miller*
Conley Moeller '71
Jon & Diana Moxness
Steven '77 & Julie Navarrette
Nebraska Synod ELCA
William Nelsen '63
Ruby J. Nielsen*
Dale Olson
Bertha Pankratz*
Jean Pavela '60
David '68 & Kathleen Pinkall
Pinnacle Bank
Michael '75 & Kim Pirtle
Becky '84 & David '84 Poppe
Mark '90 & Ann '91 Prince
Pastor Roland Renkel*
Jerry '88 & Jodi Rinne
Joyce Robatcek '72
RVR Bank
Ormal Saathoff '56
Wanda Samson '72
John & Jo Sanborn
Schilke Midland Hockey Endowment Trust
Susan Schmidt '70
Donald E. Sjogren* '51
Harry & Jean Snyder*
Rick '76 & Mary Jo Spalding
Richard Starks '70
Joseph '72 & Mignon '69 Vojtech
Randall Wade '74
Tom '81 & Laura Walker
Dr. F. Thomas Waring
Judy Weddle '66
David '71 & Phyllis Wennstedt
Marty Wikert
Lynn Wood '76
Dr. Susan Wood
*Denotes deceased
Love of coaching goes way beyond the wins for Russ Ninemire '75
Russ Ninemire '75 can tell you a lot about his lengthy and legendary high school coaching career.
Just don’t ask him to tell you how many career victories he has.
For the record, he has 657 career wins as head girls basketball coach at both Sandy Creek and now Douglas County West. That total gives him more career victories than any coach in Nebraska high school history.
“I’m very proud of our accomplishments, but I didn’t get into coaching to set any records,” he said. “People ask me ‘how many wins you got’ and I always tell them I don’t know. My assistant coaches were the ones who finally figured out the win total one day.”
they put in the time and success breeds success. The younger players looked up to the older ones and wanted to be better because of them.”
In a coaching career that has spanned nearly 50 years, Ninemire’s accomplishments will go down as some of the greatest in the history of the state. Under his guidance, the Sandy Creek girls established themselves as one of the great dynasties in the sport. They won 10 state titles, including six straight between 1995 and 2001, and sported a 95-game win streak during that time. Ninemire was recognized as the 2018 National Coach of the Year and served as head coach of the McDonald’s All-Star Game in 2016. Ninemire is a member of both the Nebraska Coaches Hall of Fame and the National High School Hall of Fame.
“I had a bunch of girls who were great athletes and just wanted to play basketball all the time, even after practice was over,” Ninemire said. “Their skills got better because
His thirst for coaching dates back to his arrival at Midland as a freshman in 1971, playing both baseball and football and getting to learn under the legendary football Coach Don Watchorn.
“I had looked into Arizona State to play baseball, but things never worked out and Midland gave me the opportunity to play both football and baseball, and gave me the chance to play right away,” he said. “I went to school in Fremont through my sophomore year of high school, so I knew a little bit about the town and Midland, plus my older brother, Keith '73, had attended Midland.
“It was close to home and I had some other friends there, so it was a good choice. By the time I graduated, I knew it was the right choice.”
He enjoyed success in both sports, especially on the football field where he was part of the 1974 Midland squad that finished the year undefeated and won the Mineral Water Bowl. That team gathered during Homecoming of 2024 to celebrate their 50-year anniversary.
“That was a real milestone accomplishment and it was great to see those guys,” Ninemire said. “I remember going to the bowl game that year, sitting on folding chairs on the bus ride and eating brown paper bag lunches. It wasn’t a playoff game, so we really didn’t have anything to play for, but our team had so much respect for Coach Watchorn.”
After graduating that next spring, Watchorn convinced Ninemire to come back and be an assistant football coach, as well as being head baseball coach.
“They were actually eliminating the baseball program at the time (it was reinstated in the late 1980s), and needed a coach for the final year,” Ninemire said. “We had a bunch of guys that liked to play and I think we shocked a lot of people that year by making the district final.
“I was fortunate to have great people mentoring me as a young coach and Watchorn really let me do my own thing. It was great to see athletics from the other side and see other coaches' philosophies. It prepared me well.”
A year later, he embarked on a 40-year career at Sandy Creek. Along with coaching girls basketball and football, he also served as head track coach for several seasons, taught accounting, business law, and typing, and eventually emerged as the athletic director for the program, a position he held for 35 years.
“I didn’t know a lot about basketball, except for having coached my younger sister a little bit, but in a small town, you wear a lot of hats, and you have to or you won’t survive,” he said.
As he began to make a name for himself, and his program, at Sandy Creek, Ninemire’s name began to pop up for numerous job opportunities, both at the collegiate and high school levels, across the state. “I probably turned down more job offers than you could shake a stick at,” he said. “But I liked it here, and I didn’t want to uproot my family.”
Ninemire finally retired from Sandy Creek in 2017 and moved back closer to his native Valley, Nebraska. “I wanted to be closer to my mom and by that point, both our kids were in the area and wanted to be closer to them,” he said. “I tried the retirement thing for about six weeks, but I didn’t know what to do with myself.”
He found his way back into coaching, serving as an assistant coach at both Omaha Westside and Omaha Marian. Then in 2020, the Douglas County West job opened.
“This job reminded me of Sandy Creek a little bit, and it was a chance for me to go back home,” he said.
For a program without a rich history, Ninemire has brought respectability to the Falcons and given them their most successful seasons in program history.
“I’m still in coaching because I love it and the fire is still there,” he said. “The game is different, the kids are different, and society is different, but the core principles of coaching still remain the same.
“You have to be willing to work, and you have to be willing to put your teammates first. If you do that, good things will happen. My favorite part of coaching is the teaching part. I love going to practice and finding a way to make it all work.”
He isn’t the only member of his family to make his mark in the coaching ranks. His sister, Diane, had a 32-year run as the head coach of women’s softball at the University of California-Berkeley, finishing her career with more than 1,300 victories, which ranked her in the top 10 for all-time victories.
Ninemire has maintained strong ties with Midland over the years, especially while his son, Dustin’11, was here as part of the Midland basketball and golf squads.
“I appreciate that Midland has been able to thrive, yet still maintain that small-school feel,” he said. “I think Midland is a great place to be because if you are not sure what you want to do, they have plenty to offer. It’s a place where you can start in the direction to build a dream. That’s what I did.”
HOMECOMING 2025 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26
8:00-10:00 AM I Breakfast & Open House with President Williams, Senior Leadership Team, and Academic Deans
11:00 AM-1:00 PM I Alumni Speakers Panel & Lunch
1:00 PM | Homecoming Campus Tour
4:00 PM | Golden Warrior Welcome & Social
6:00 PM | Warrior Athletic Hall of Fame
7:30 PM | All-Class Reunion Social and Music
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 27
9:00 AM | Golden Warrior 50-Year Reunion
11:30 AM | Alumni Tailgate
1:00 PM | Homecoming Football Game vs. Doane
5:00 PM | Women's Soccer vs. Morningside
5:00 PM | Volleyball vs. Dakota Wesleyan (Volleyball Alumni Night in the Suites)
5:00 PM | Watchorn Football Reunion
7:30 PM | Men's Soccer vs. Morningside
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 28
8:00 AM | Homecoming Worship
11:00 AM | Alumni & Legacy Banquet
*SCHEDULE SUBJECT TO CHANGE
"You have to be willing to work, and you have to be willing to put your teammates first. If you do that, good things will happen. My favorite part of coaching is the teaching part. I love going to practice and finding a way to make it all work In."
- RUSS NINEMIRE '75
CELEBRATINGCLASSES
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Thank you to all of our Midland University alumni, friends, business partners, and donors who supported us in the 20242025 fiscal year! Your continued support through our annual fund, major gifts, scholarships, pledges, and planned gifts have a tremendous impact on our university, and on our students. From all of us at Midland, thank you for your generosity!
